Old Huan

After eighty-one days, Amao had mastered his divine skills and finally emerged from seclusion!

Well, okay, saying he's achieved some great mastery of divine skills is a bit of an exaggeration, but counting from when he first entered the Dao, he stabilized at the Foundation Establishment Perfection after eighty-one days, only a hair's breadth away from the Golden Core stage. This cultivation speed is probably among the best in the entire Taiji Realm.

Of course, with the divine aptitude of the Blissful Child Golden Body, continuing his cultivation wouldn't be impossible, but that would require the superior secret techniques and precious breakthrough resources of the Golden Scale Palace. Considering that Amao is merely someone's adopted son, not a son-in-law, the transmission of power from Madam Chi Lin will temporarily end here. Next, it will be Amao's turn to repay the favor to the Huan family.

Yes, they weren't there to make a losing deal. The Huan family was willing to keep them as guests and even gave Amao an extra session for free, so of course they had something in mind.

While the path of dual cultivation is much simpler than the Xuanmen Immortal Path, the threshold of the Golden Core realm still exists, only it doesn't require the absurdity of passing a killing tribulation. However, not everyone possesses the aptitude for a Golden Body and the comprehension of Dao Seed, especially for a family like the Huan family, which is inherently Cultivation Family. If a man marries, it's not a problem to teach him secret methods of dual cultivation. But for a woman, it might not be so easy to find so many cultivators willing to marry into the family.

Therefore, the initial purpose of establishing the Golden Scale Palace to accommodate independent cultivators was because the Huan family members needed Daoist Dao Companion for cultivation. In order to prevent the family's teachings from being leaked, the Golden Scale Palace was actually quite cautious in examining the matter of imparting secret techniques to its disciples. If it weren't for Amao's talent being one in a million, a once-in-a-century occurrence, and the presence of a master like Li Fan protecting him, the Huan family probably wouldn't have been so generous in their actions.

In short, many women in the Huan family are still stuck at the Foundation Establishment Perfection realm for various reasons and cannot find a suitable Dao Companion to break through together. Therefore, based on the principle of dual cultivation and the Five Paths, they also need Dual Cultivation Dao companion like Amao, with similar Foundation Establishment cultivation and exceptional talent, to provide assistance in their cultivation breakthrough.

Of course, according to the Huan family, this kind of thing is mutually beneficial and entirely voluntary. Amao can continue to accumulate cultivation and will not suffer any losses. In fact, if his progress is rapid and he can help all the Foundation Establishment disciples of the Golden Scale Palace advance to the Golden Core Stage, the Huan family may also help him break through to the Golden Core stage and continue to help the disciples who are stuck at the Golden Core stage to cultivate...

Li Fan was speechless. This was the kind of plot a fantasy cultivation novel should have...

Incidentally, while Amao was cultivating, Li Fan also went into seclusion for eighty-one days, taking a short nap to repair his Divine Sense, only to be woken up by an electric shock at the appointed time. And you know what? A nap really is quite effective; now Li Fan feels invincible again.

So Li Fan confirmed with Amao that if A Mao wasn't willing to suffer this humiliation, then he could fight his way out with Amao. The rabble from the Golden Scale Palace couldn't stop them anyway.

To everyone's surprise, Amao told him, "Don't worry, Island Master, I can continue," clearly having tasted the sweetness of cultivation and become so engrossed in it that he forgot all about home. Of course, putting himself in his shoes, Li Fan wouldn't bother listening to an old man talk about the great principles of heaven and earth either; he'd rather discuss the mysteries of the human body with the girls. So, as the saying goes, everyone has their own destiny, and you can't force it. Li Fan could only let Amao and the Huan family girls happily cultivate immortality.

"Island Master Li truly lives up to his True Cultivator of the Xuanmen sect. In just a month, his cultivation has surpassed all his former achievements, and his demeanor is truly admirable."

"Oh, Elder Huan, it's been a long time! You look much better. Is there some good news?"

When Li Fan saw that old man Huan Delang approaching to chat, he guessed that he wanted to take Amao away again. After all, it was possible that keeping Amao in the Golden Scale Palace could really help their sect's overall strength improve by a level.

To everyone's surprise, Old Man Huan wasn't there to talk about Amao. Instead, he had received some good news and was beaming with joy. He shared it with Li Fan, saying, "Who says it isn't true? Island Master Li, you probably don't know yet, but the Immortal Palace suffered a great defeat in the Kun Country, and internal strife has broken out in the Zhen and Xun Kingdoms. The world is in chaos!"

Li Fan echoed his surprise, saying, "Is that so? Does the Huan family have a long-standing feud with the Sanyuan?"

Old Man Huan laughed and said, "That's right. Back then, my ancestor was the Grand Commandant, the head of the Three Dukes. How glorious it was! Later, it was because the four great clans, Wang, Xie, Yuan, and Xiao, betrayed us and stabbed us in the back that my family lost power in the court and was eventually expelled from the Jingji and forced into exile overseas."

Now, Heaven has eyes; those three families have either been wiped out or ruined, leaving only the Lanling Xiao Clan. But now their defeat is imminent! That old scoundrel Xiao Shuda has lost all his honor in his later years, suffering a humiliating defeat at the hands of a traitorous general, and is now trapped in the capital, his fate hanging by a thread.

I never imagined I'd witness these traitors and enemies suffer a humiliation before I die! Hehehe, I have no regrets even in death! Hahaha! Hahahaha!

"Huh? The Huan family's ancestor was actually the Grand Commandant of the Three Realms?" Li Fan was genuinely surprised. "Which Grand Commandant? The one who had a past with the Beichen Sword Sect Sword Ancestor Xuantian the Beichen Sword Sect?"

Old Man Huan thought for a moment, "If we're talking about the Grand Commandant, then it's naturally our clan's Duke Yongchong. That was a long time ago. I only remember hearing my elders mention that Duke Yongchong led the Imperial Guard on three Northern Expedition, recovering the Central Plains and driving out the forces of the Hu Barbarians and demons. The Nine Yin Mountain lineage certainly provided a lot of assistance. Perhaps he did have a relationship with the Sword Ancestor back then?"

Li Fan was truly surprised; how could he encounter someone from Xuan Tian's past in such a remote and secluded place?

But then again, it's not really surprising. Which family has no ancestors for eighteen generations and not a single king or general? It's normal for so-and-so to have met so-and-so. If you keep going back, aren't we all just picking fruit from the same tree? But it seems that those connected to the Beichen Sword Sect aren't doing so well. A descendant of the dignified Grand Commandant is now selling goldfish in the South China Sea...

However, given this connection, Li Fan naturally had to treat Old Man Huan to a drink.

Old Man Huan was naturally happy. He was actually pleased to hear that his enemy had fallen on hard times, but since he was already Five Declines of Heaven and Man, his young ladies at home didn't want to talk to this weak and feeble old man. So, Old Man Huan had no choice but to come and chat with Li Fan, an "old man of similar age".

After chatting, Li Fan learned about the changes in the Central Plains situation over the past two or three months.

The war in Kun Country has temporarily subsided. It seems that the Divine Sect originally intended to drive out the remnants of the Immortal Palace in one fell swoop, but for some reason, they suddenly stopped their offensive. Thus, Wen Tianjun was able to catch his breath, received supplies from the Three Enclosures, and reorganized his military. On paper, he still had the advantage. However, the reinforcements from Zhen and Xun Kingdoms had lost all will to fight and were eager to return home. So, the two armies only gathered and confronted each other in front of Jue Long Pass, and for the time being, neither side could gain the upper hand.

In the northern Dui Country, the battle between the Xuanmen and Shenjiao masters has reached its final stage. Only the last of the Ten Ultimate Formation remains, and it's on the verge of being breached. Then it will be a true clash between immortals. The Xuanmen probably realized the Immortal Palace was too weak, so this time, Emei masters have personally joined the fray. It seems that no matter how much the Shenjiao wins, they'll have to give it all back when the Xuanmen arrive.

The Kun Country and Dui Country experienced a brief calm before the storm, but the Xun and Zhen Country were engaged in a fierce battle.

The latest news from Xun Kingdom is that the king has suddenly passed away, the Crown Prince has ascended the throne with the support of the four major clans of Xun Kingdom, and Prince of Lu has been assassinated. The kingdom has begun to purge Prince of Lu's traitorous party and is also fighting fiercely with the rebel army of the Luo Feng Devil Palace who took advantage of the chaos to seize the throne.

The situation in Zhen Country is even more outrageous. The Xiao Clan of Lanling is not without strength, but they had just mobilized a large army to the front lines of Kun Country, leaving their military forces depleted. As a result, the traitorous Hou Gu seized the opportunity to rebel and launch a surprise attack, capturing Lanling. Now, the Ruler Xiao's Country is trapped in the forbidden palace of Lanling's Taicheng, holding out for two months, but it has not yet been conquered.

Then everyone realized that Hou Gu had only a little over 8,000 troops when he started his rebellion. Heaven knows how he managed to breach the royal city and defeat the imperial guards of Zhen Country. However, the royal palace in Taicheng was, after all, the stronghold that the Ruler Xiao's Country had built up over many years. It was heavily fortified and its defenses were tight. These few thousand rebels launched several strong attacks and suffered heavy casualties, but they could not break through the city. Meanwhile, the Xiao princes' loyalist army of 100,000 had arrived and surrounded Hou Gu's rebel army, making it impossible for them to escape.

It seems that defeating the bandits is just around the corner, so the problem isn't too serious. It's just that the Xiao Family has lost face in front of the whole world. Anyway, they're used to it. It's nothing, just a technical adjustment. The situation isn't dire.

The more troublesome issue is the inexplicable Nangong Family, who have inexplicably betrayed the cult once again. Heaven knows what they're after by jumping around like this. But Sanyuan really doesn't have time to deal with these erratic individuals, so he can only leave it to the General of the South of Li Country to handle. As for the specific situation in Li Country, Old Man Huan was too busy mocking the Xiao Family to inquire about other people's affairs, so he doesn't know the details. But given the relationship between Ink Bamboo Mountain and the Nangong Family, it probably isn't very peaceful.

All five kingdoms in the world have collapsed. If we also include the Kan Country, which is overrun by demons, and the Gen Country, where the Yellow Heaven Path has never been at peace, apart from the Qian Kingdom, which is under the control of the Xuanmen, and the Si Prefecture, which is directly under the jurisdiction of the Immortal Palace, the Central Plains has actually entered a state of great chaos.

Of course, the independent cultivators in the South China Sea couldn't stay out of it either, especially since the Central Plains didn't have time to deal with it now, and the experts from the Xuanmen sect had all returned. A whole host of forces, including the Lü Family, the Reef Shark Gang, E Shenyu, and the Whale Seeking Alliance, had been wiped out, and the demons and monsters like the Ling King were also nowhere to be seen for the time being. Now, the seas were full of fleets and forces attacking each other based on their strength, and the situation was extremely complicated and chaotic.

The Huan family's Golden Scale Palace is actually located on a closed island, and although there hasn't been any trouble yet, the place where Li Fan rescued Amao during the previous fleet battle is not far from Jinlin Isle, and no one knows when they will be drawn into the war.

Old Man Huan also realized that Li Fan a True Cultivator from the Xuanmen lineage and wouldn't covet his Huan family's inheritance. In addition, he also had a connection with Amao, so he also had the idea of building a relationship with Li Fan and finding a strong ally for Jinlin Isle. So, after a few rounds of drinks, he invited Li Fan to hunt sea monsters nearby.

In these times of favorable weather, sparsely populated places like the Ten-thousand-mountains, Lei Marsh, and the South China Sea are never short of demons and monsters. The Nascent Soul Stage guarding each island regularly patrol the nearby seas to check if the surrounding sea beast groups are under control. The weaker ones don't need to be driven away; they can be kept for resource collection or for disciples to practice on. If there is a sudden and rapid increase in the number of groups, or a mutated and evolved sea beast, or even a newly born sea beast, then naturally they must be driven away and eliminated in advance to avoid causing trouble, and also to collect some spiritual materials.

In the past, the materials from these demonic beasts would have been considered Heavenly Treasure, and cultivators from the Central Plains and outer islands would sometimes fight tooth and nail to seize them. However, nowadays, various powerful demons are emerging one after another, and they are everywhere. It is easy to find all kinds of demons, so there is no need to go straight to someone else's territory to compete for them.

So, Li Fan was helping Old Man Huan hunt some sea beasts, which was also a favor for him in doing family tasks. Of course, all the materials he obtained belonged to him, and Old Man Huan even gave him some Qi-replenishing pills as payment. However, although these pills were usable by the Nascent Soul, their quality was rather poor. It seemed that Old Man Huan had refined them himself, only refining them two or three times, so they were barely usable.

Li Fan also wanted to hunt monsters and gather some materials, and also to see the methods of the cultivators in the South China Sea, so he went out to sea with Huan Delang to patrol.

"The island owner's arrival is timely. The weather is warming up now, and according to the season, schools of Penglai red sea bream from the East Sea China Sea migrate back to spawn near my Jinlin Isle. After a winter of raising them, they are plump and meaty, making them the best to eat."

We drove away the sea creatures along the way beforehand, and when the fish passed, we organized the younger ones to go into the sea for a fishing competition, just for fun and to satisfy our appetites with a delicious meal."

"Oh, sea bream? I'm really looking forward to it. By the way, does anyone know how to cook sea bream four ways, haha?"

"Is there a four-way way to eat sea bream? Is this a custom specific to your island? We usually eat it as sashimi while it's fresh..."

Li Fan and Huan Delang chatted as they patrolled the sea. If they detected any demonic energy or encountered any monsters that were too large, they would throw down their magical artifacts from the clouds to kill them and collect their corpses.

The monsters in the sea are mainly large in size, but their intelligence and demonic aura are inferior to those in the mountains. They also lack the ability to sense things with Divine Sense, and are often killed by a Sword Light or a harpoon while they are still lurking on the seabed.

Indeed, Huan Delang was using his unique weapon, a javelin resembling a harpoon, with a chain attached to the end, a barb on the shaft, and an incredibly sharp tip, about two feet long, making it almost like a spear. When thrown, the javelin plunged straight into the seabed, piercing scales and splitting bones, disappearing into flesh and blood. Then, he pulled the iron chain, and the barb, hanging from the sea monster's carcass, dragged it up.

Li Fan could tell from the old man's technique that he was an old-school body-refining immortal Immortal Palace warrior, Guardian Spirit Official specializing in cultivating the Dao body. He didn't use any fancy moves; he simply locked his Divine Sense and threw the spear, fast, ruthless, accurate, and decisive, killing the opponent in one strike. Although the fish spear wasn't a high-grade divine weapon, its material was clearly extraordinary. The spearhead was likely a family heirloom of the Huan family, exuding a chilling aura and a chilling killing intent. It was probably a treasured weapon used by Duke Yongchong in his conquest of the Northern Kingdom, fighting on the battlefield and achieving great feats. The Huan family adapted it appropriately for the South Sea, but its sharpness remained unchanged.

If it weren't for his old age and frailty, and his declining vitality, Huan Delang would definitely be a fierce general. He probably wouldn't be much worse than the patriarch of the Shi Family on Crocodile God Island. But then again, the cultivation method passed down in the Huan family requires a tiger-like waist strength and a robust physique to withstand the strain; it definitely involves body tempering.

Li Fan was the kind of person who was always eager to learn new things, and he could actually learn them. Old Man Huan didn't mind and told him that this was the spear-throwing technique passed down by the Imperial Guards. Of course, he had also made some modifications to make it easier to hunt sea beasts. He explained the key points of power generation and breathing, and demonstrated it twice. Li Fan learned it.

Then he threw the gun, which shattered the sound barrier with a bang, creating a massive explosion that cleaved the sea monster in two. When it was pulled up, it was unrecognizable as what it had been. It was indeed quite convenient.

Old Man Huan was somewhat surprised, "I didn't realize that you, Island Master, with your refined and scholarly demeanor, actually possess such strength. Do you perhaps practice martial arts and body tempering?"

Li Fan, who relied solely on his Tai Su Dao Body to achieve miracles, humbly replied, "I know a little, I know a little."

Old Man Huan thought for a moment and then said, "Island Master Li, to be honest, the reason I asked you to come out this time is to see your skills. After all, many people may have the true teachings, but they are not very proficient in actual combat. Now I see that you have both sword control skills and the body of Martial God, so you are quite powerful. Therefore, I have a favor to ask you to do."

Oh, have you raised enough favorability to trigger the quest?

"Please speak freely, Elder Huan."

"To be honest, there is a forbidden area on the seabed near Jinlin Isle. It is a demon god's seal left by the Immortal Palace and has always been guarded by my Huan family. That's why when the incident happened, we moved here. The Three Enclosures spared our lives and ordered my family to guard the seal for generations, otherwise they would exterminate us."

As you, fellow Daoist, know, the times have changed drastically in recent years. The Central Plains are in turmoil, and the South China Sea is not peaceful either. In the past two years, the number of sea monsters near Jinlin Isle has increased. Unfortunately, my sons are disappointing, and all that's left of our family's skills is the rudimentary martial arts they possess, which are only learned on the bed.

The old man doesn't have much time left. He plans to go down and check if the seal is normal while his old bones can still move. He wonders if you could come along, so that we can look out for each other, and if anything goes wrong, we can have someone to report it to..."

"I see. Rest assured, Elder Huan, I will surely slay this mere ancient demon god!"

"Huh? No, I meant for you to keep watch, not to eliminate..."

"Don't worry! I'm the expert at this kind of thing! Leave it to me! Let's go! Let's go to the dungeon!"